Great
Activities You Can Enjoy With Your Dog

Here is an introduction to some great things people do with their dogs. Most
activities welcome all dogs, whether purebred or of mixed breed heritage.
Some of these activities are classed as "working dog" activities, but are
also done on a recreational basis, or as a public service. Some dog activities are purely
recreational in nature, while others are competitive dog sports. Many of these activities may be new to you. I have
chosen my links based upon how welcoming they are to the merely curious.

People who play with their dog, stay with their dog.

When people and dogs do things together it is good news all around. Many
of these activities provide the structure that helps people learn to better
communicate with their dogs. The dogs have a better opportunity to learn good
manners. That makes them easier to live with and less likely to be given up.
The activities help people get in touch with one another to share information.
That also helps people to learn about dogs, to avoid problems, and to solve
them in a healthy way. The activities provide exercise in a fun way that boosts the relationship. The exercise, in turn, reduces boredom. A dog that exercises with its human is less likely to have behavior problems. A wonderful side benefit is that these activities can
be a mental boost for humans and dogs alike.

Do we need lessons on having fun with our dogs?

All the evidence is, yes, we need to learn how to have fun with our dogs. Too many people just don't know how much fun their dog can be. Their relationship is one way; they haven't learned to communicate. They need help learning how to have fun with their dog. When they enjoy their dog they are motivated to work through problems, to solve them instead of giving up on the dog.

And yes, your mutt can play too.

The big surprise to me was how many activities I can do with my mixed breed
dogs. And the variety of sports, games, and just plain good times was also
an eye opener. Many of the activities listed here will be new to you. Some
of them you may have seen on TV, but never thought of getting involved in
yourself. Well plunge right in and explore. You and your dog will be glad
you did.

Fun things to do with your dog: Games, Sports and Just Good Fun

Agility - in, out, over and through this sport is all about working as a team

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DogPlay is a service owned and operated by Diane Blackman. It provides articles,
information, advice and opinion on our relationships with our dogs. Articles
from DogPlay have been reprinted in publications across the United States,
and even on occasion outside the United States. DogPlay is the service mark
that identifies the source and character of the information published here
and elsewhere. The purpose of this web site and the information, articles,
and items produced in association with DogPlay is to improve the welfare
of the domestic canine by encouraging a higher level of interaction between
people and the dogs they've chosen.